society
NICArb hold 40th Anniversary and 2019 Annual Conference in Lagos
The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) held a press conference recently , to address salient issues around its 40th Anniversary theme, titled, ‘Building a Culture of Arbitration and Sustainable Institutions in West Africa’.
The 40th Anniversary Conference and Investiture, which will be held on 14 – 15 November 2019, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, provides a forum for the intellectual discussion of key issues affecting Arbitration in West Africa.
It is focused on yielding practical solutions, necessary to encourage the adoption of Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the West African sub-region. The conference promises a line-up of renowned regional and global speakers who are experts in the chosen subject areas and will feature panels made-up of technical experts and breakout sessions for intensive exploration of the chosen subject areas.
Also present at the briefing were Management and members of NICArb’s 40th Anniversary and Annual Conference Planning Committee including Mrs. Funmi Obisan, FCArb, Mrs. Clara Umeano FCArb, Mrs. Shola John-Oshodi, FCArb (Registrar/CEO, NICArb), Mrs. Chinyere Onuorah, MCArb (Deputy Registrar NICArb) and Mr. Timi Olagunju (PRO, NICArb).
Mrs. Shola Oshodi-John, the Registrar/CEO of the Institute spoke about Nigeria becoming a Hub for Arbitration, she referenced the institutes previous press briefing emphasizing the need for national policies for strengthening Arbitration in Nigeria as well as calling for partners in the Arbitration/ADR space to join forces with the Institute to implement policies that help Arbitration take a foothold in Nigeria.
The briefing ended with a call to the members of the Arbitration (ADR) community and the general public, to take advantage of this first West Africa regional conference in Lagos, Nigeria, in November. Register on events.nicarb.org
ABOUT THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ARBITRATORS
The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators is the first indigenous body of professional Arbitrators founded in 1979 under the leadership of His Excellency, Justice Bola Ajibola, SAN, KBE and duly incorporated in 1988 under the Companies Act as a legal entity Limited by Guarantee. The Institute was formerly known as the “Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Nigeria” and then later became “Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators” Ltd/Gte. It is a professional body dedicated to promoting, facilitating and determining of disputes by Arbitration, Mediation, Conciliation and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
The Institute is forefront in the development of alternatives to litigation in Nigeria. Besides being at the forefront of promoting the knowledge and practice of Arbitration and other dispute resolution alternatives, the Institute has gained reputation as the preferred appointing authority and Arbitration handling Institution for a broad spectrum of commercial disputants.
The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators has over 1,500 members drawn from diverse vocational backgrounds including the Academia, Accounting, Construction, Engineering, Judiciary, Legal, Public Service and a host of others. The Institute has virtually all the greatest jurists of our time as Associates or Fellows. These include former Justices and Judges of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, President Court of Appeal, Chief Judges and Judges of High Courts, Senior Advocates and Retired Judges.
Membership
There are three categories of membership of the Institute:
• Fellows
• Member
• Associates
On the completion of the Institute Training Programme, a successful member/participant becomes a fellow and will be qualified to add the acronym ‘FCArb’ after his/her name. Upon the successful completion of the Member Training Program and active participation in the Institute’s activities, the Associate/participant becomes a Member, and will be qualified to add the acronym ‘MCArb’ after his/her name, whilst a successful participant after the completion of the Institute Associate Training Program becomes an Associate and will be qualified to add the acronym ‘ACArb’ after his/her name.
Our Objectives
The Institute aims to train and develop Arbitrators, promote and facilitate the use of arbitration for dispute resolution.
Its objectives are:
• Promoting and facilitating the settlement of disputes by arbitration and other methods of alternative dispute resolution.
• Improving the standard of skill and expertise of arbitrators and those involved in alternative dispute resolution.
• Promoting the study and practice of arbitration law generally and alternative dispute resolution.
• Providing training and continuous professional development to its members.
• Maintaining and improving the standard of ethics and professional conduct in the arbitration profession and those involved in alternative dispute resolution.
Benefits of membership
• Access to the Institute’s library
• Annual Conference on Arbitration (Arbitration Day)
• Discounts on arbitration seminars and workshops and conferences
• Distribution of Journals to paying members of the Institute
• Inclusion in Faculty database
• Maintenance of a panel of neutrals for arbitration
• Members’ data, for possible appointments for arbitration
• Newsletter of value to members
• Online resource to support arbitration research.
• Opportunity for networking with diverse professionals
Our Activities
The Institute’s focus is in the area of professional training and practical Arbitral and Mediation skills development. This is delivered by means of seminars and workshops for practicing and potential Arbitrators and Mediators. Participants benefit from a range of interactive exercises, cases, class discussions and practical training session of the moot Arbitration to get practical experience on the Arbitral procedure.
Some of its offerings include:
a. Associate Training Programme:
The Associate Training Programme – ATP is for all professionals irrespective of their field of discipline, who intend to practice Arbitration as Associates of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Nigeria.
The training program is a three days training that offers guidelines on the emerging trends in Arbitral proceedings and other modern dispute resolution mechanisms. It uses a variety of teaching formats, emphasizes participant participation in the learning process, and provides opportunities for participants to understand the practice of Arbitration and other forms of ADR.
At the end of the program, the participants are assessed through a written examination on the lessons learnt in the classroom.
b. Fast Track Associate Training Programme:
This ‘Fast Track Associate Programme’ – FTAP is a one-day intensive practical training course for very busy executives and top government officials, who intend being part of the Arbitration and ADR world but are not able to take part in the three days training and qualifying examination for Associates.
c. Fast Track Fellowship Training Program:
The ‘Fast Track Fellowship Programme’ – FTFP is a training programme for seasoned professionals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields and who are interested in practising Arbitration as Fellows of the Nigeria Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. They must also have carved a niche for themselves in the practice of Arbitration and other forms of ADRs. It is a one -day practical training program on Arbitration and other forms of ADRs.
The training program takes participants through the basic principles of arbitration proceedings and other ADRs. It provides them the opportunity to acquire international best practice mechanism as it highlights practice of Arbitration and ADRs in other jurisdictions by giving a comparative study of these practices/procedures.
The programme looks at the intricacies involved in the writing of awards, directions and orders. Topics treated include the emerging forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution, such as Negotiation, Mediation, Conciliation etc.
At the end of the program, assessment of the participants will be done through by a Peer review process.
Before qualifying to participate in this program, candidates are required to submit evidence of having been part of at least two Arbitration or ADR proceedings and/or have written any article or book on Arbitration and other Forms of ADR.
d. The Mediation Programme:
The Institute organises mediation programmes, teaching on the practicality, processes and principles of negotiation and dispute settlement. At the end of the training, the participant becomes a qualified mediator and adds the acronym ‘QMed’ after their name.
e. Continuous Training and Development Program:
Associates and Members benefit from continuous training and development to enable them move to the next cadre of membership. Each category is expected to undergo at least three (3) training sessions in a year to be able to apply and be eligible for the next cadre.
f. Refresher Courses for Fellows:
The Fellow benefit from the continuous training to keep them abreast of the changes in the world of Arbitration. They are expected to participate in a least two of such trainings in a year.
g. Seminars:
The Institute organises seminars, workshops and symposiums to expose practitioners and intending practitioners to the need to promote Alternative Dispute Resolution as well as highlight its commercial and economic benefits to the development of a nation. These programmes are held every quarter in the year.
h. Annual Conference on Arbitration – Arbitration Day:
Through its annual conference, the Institute brings together experts in arbitration and ADRs to discuss national and global trends with an aim to proffering solutions to some challenges in the field. It is held once a year and is open to all professionals.
i. Annual Induction/Award Ceremony:
New members that have met and satisfied the requirement for administration and development of arbitration and ADRs are inducted in a unique and celebrated event, which culminates the Institute’s calendar year.
Governing Council of the Institute
• Aare Afe Babalola OFR, CON, FNIALS, SAN, FCArb- President & Chairman of Council
• Hon. Justice Alfa Belgore, CON, GCON, FNIALS, FCArb
• Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, FCArb
• Dr. Michael Ajogwu, SAN, FCArb
• Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, FCArb
• Mrs. Clara Umeano, LLM, FCArb Patrons
• Judge Bola Ajibola LLD, SAN, KBE, FCArb.
• Hon. Justice Kayode Eso CON, LLD, FCArb
• Dr. C.A. Atoki, PHD, FCIS, FCArb
Ajadi Rejects Pay Rise For President, Others, Says Proposal Insensitive To Nigerians Suffer
A South West Chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP) has said that he rejects the reported plan by the Federal Government to raise the salaries of political office holders, including the President, Vice-President, Ministers and others, saying such move is insensitive to the current plights of Nigerians due to the present economic challenges.
Ajadi said many Nigerians are groaning under unprecedented hardship due to the harsh economy, saying what is expected of the political office holders is to make sacrifices.
It could be recalled that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, (RMAFC) has hinted at plans to review the salaries of political office holders in Nigeria, describing current earnings as inadequate, unrealistic, and outdated in the face of rising responsibilities and economic challenges.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu presently earns N1.5m monthly, while ministers receive less than N1m, figures that have remained unchanged since 2008.
According to Shehu, “You are paying the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria N1.5m a month, with a population of over 200 million people. Everybody believes that it is a joke.
“You cannot pay a minister less than N1m per month since 2008 and expect him to put in his best without necessarily being involved in some other things. You pay either a CBN governor or the DG ten times more than you pay the President. That is just not right. Or you pay him [the head of an agency] twenty times higher than the Attorney-General of the Federation. That is absolutely not right”.
However, Ajadi in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, said at a time when reforms demand sacrifice, this proposal smacks of greed, tone-deafness and moral bankruptcy.
Ajadi said a progressive government in moments of economic crisis like Nigeria is currently going through will reduce the cost of governance rather than inflate it.
According to him, it is insensitive to increase political office holders’ salaries while workers have been struggling for a living wage without appropriate response from the governments.
“The proposed increase in salaries of the President, Vice and other political office holders at this time of economic hardship will amount to insensitivity to the plights of ordinary Nigerians
“The current Workers’ minimum wages is not enough to provide the means of livelihood for any worker. The inflation is biting harder on Nigerians. Contrary to the poor conditions of Nigerians, political office holders are flashing their riches, and displaying their wealth openly with utter disregard to the conditions of ordinary citizens. To now increase the salaries of these political office holders will not augur well for our country.
“In countries where the economy is bad, what obtained is for the political office holders to reduce their earnings as a sacrifice. It is with this that they will have the moral right to preach to ordinary citizens to make.sacrifice.
“In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her cabinet reduced their pay by 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During the 2008 financial crisis, Ireland slashed ministerial and parliamentary salaries by as much as 30%.
“In the midst of Greece’s sovereign debt crisis, ministers and the Members of Parliament took salaries cuts in solidarity with citizens.
“True leaders tight their belts first before asking citizens to bear the burden of reform. For Nigeria’s political class to even consider “jumbo salaries” at a time of rising inflation, subsidy removal, unemployment and worsening poverty is unconscionable.
“RMAFC must immediately drop this self-serving scheme.What the nation requires today is fiscal discipline, leadership by sacrifice, not political overlords fattening themselves while citizens starve”.
Fubara Behind Campaign of Calumny Against Tinubu Over Rivers Emergency Rule – CJD
The Coalition for Justice and Democracy (CJD) has accused the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, of orchestrating a campaign of calumny against President Bola Tinubu as revenge for the declaration of emergency rule in the state.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday and signed by its president, Comrade Raymond Aighona, the coalition alleged that Fubara was also behind the circulation of a document on social media which falsely accused the Sole Administrator of Rivers, Ibok-Eket Ibas, of mismanaging half a trillion naira and inflating contracts under the guise of funding President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The group dismissed the allegations as “baseless blackmail”, insisting that the sole administrator had acted strictly within the limits of the emergency powers granted him and under the constant oversight of committees set up by both chambers of the National Assembly to monitor Rivers during the emergency rule.
“Siminalayi Fubara has chosen the path of bitterness and deceit. He has not forgiven President Tinubu for saving Rivers State from total political anarchy through the declaration of emergency rule. Now, in an act of reckless vengeance, he is sponsoring falsehoods, pushing forged documents, and trying to smear the reputation of the President and the sole administrator. These antics will not succeed,” Aighona declared.
The CJD said it had carried out its own checks and found no evidence to support the claims of financial recklessness being circulated online against Ibas.
“Every action of the Sole Administrator is monitored by oversight committees from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. His expenditures are scrutinised and subjected to due process. For anyone to claim that he single-handedly pulled out half a trillion naira from the coffers of Rivers State is not only laughable but deliberately mischievous,” the group added.
According to the CJD, the social media document, which alleged that inflated contracts were being used to bankroll the President’s 2027 campaign, bore “all the fingerprints of Fubara’s political desperation”.
“This is nothing but a forged narrative manufactured by those who lost relevance under the emergency rule. Fubara is the unseen hand behind these malicious reports. He hopes to poison the minds of Rivers people against President Tinubu and to discredit Ibas, whose steady leadership has restored calm and order to the state,” Aighona said.
The group further warned that such “propaganda politics” could inflame tensions and destabilise Rivers if not exposed for what it truly is.
“What Fubara is doing is reckless and dangerous. Rather than take responsibility for the failures of his short-lived administration, he is weaponising lies, sowing distrust, and dragging the President’s name into his personal vendetta. This is not only unfair to President Tinubu but also a betrayal of Rivers people who are finally enjoying stability after months of turmoil,” the statement continued.
The CJD praised Ibas for what it described as “disciplined and transparent stewardship” since his appointment as Sole Administrator.
“Ibas has not gone beyond his authority. He has been meticulous in carrying out his duties and has kept faith with the mandate to stabilise Rivers State. He deserves commendation, not blackmail. Anyone suggesting otherwise is only doing the bidding of embittered politicians like Fubara,” Aighona said.
The group called on security agencies to investigate the origin of the circulating document and to expose those behind the “malicious forgery”.
It also urged the Nigerian public to treat such reports with contempt, stressing that the claims were designed to smear the President and destabilise Rivers.
“There is no half-trillion naira missing from Rivers’ coffers. There are no inflated contracts funding the President’s re-election. These are lies from the pit of desperation. The real story is that Fubara, who has been constitutionally sidelined under emergency rule, is fighting back with propaganda. He must be called out,” the CJD stated.
The coalition reaffirmed its support for the emergency measures in Rivers, insisting that the intervention had prevented total collapse and restored a measure of peace and governance to the state.
“President Tinubu acted to save Rivers, not to exploit it. Ibas has executed that mandate with dignity. The blackmail campaign being funded by Fubara cannot erase these truths. Nigerians should see through his desperation and reject his propaganda,” Aighona advised.
Beyond Optics: Setting the Record Straight on Nigeria’s TICAD Booth
I feel compelled to clarify misconceptions around Nigeria’s so-called “unmanned booth” at TICAD, which has unfortunately become the subject of misleading commentary.
First, the space in question is not a national pavilion. It is a designated spillover area—typically used by delegates without access to the main auditorium to follow proceedings, hold side meetings, or work quietly. Countries may choose to convert such spaces into national showcases, but it is not compulsory. Any Nigerian delegate can use the space at any time. Several other countries also had similar spaces today that were quiet or lightly used. It is neither unusual nor a sign of disengagement.
Now, to the real issue: Nigeria is not in Japan for optics. Visibility is not the only metric. Value is.
While some chase appearances, Nigerian officials are working deliberately and with focus:
HM Pate is finalising a landmark health sector agreement with Japanese partners.
HM Power is advancing a major energy partnership.
BOI and BOA are deep in investment negotiations.
HM Foreign Affairs is leading ministerial-level engagements and aligning national plans.
Mr. President is meeting Japanese investors, Nigerian diaspora business leaders, development partners, and fellow heads of government.
The work is being done—quietly, strategically, and with impact.
So what purpose is served by amplifying an incomplete visual to imply national failure? Even if unintended, this kind of knee-jerk commentary can undermine progress and reinforce misrepresentation. Visibility should not be confused with value; applause is not the same as achievement.
Koko of the Matter: Nigeria’s space was not “unmanned” in the sense implied. We are under no obligation to adopt the performative routines of others. In diplomacy, presence is not always performance—and substance will always outweigh spectacle.
In line with TICAD’s structure, Nigeria’s space will see more active use on Day 2 and Day 3, which focus on Economy and Society, functioning as an open national stand accessible to all delegates.
Let us focus on outcomes, not optics—in the best interest of our country.
~ Otega #TheTiger Ogra
@NigeriaGov @NGRPresident @NigeriaMFA
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